– la version française suit dessous – A few weeks ago, we circulated information about changes that are slated to take effect in Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program starting this fall, and others that are already in place. Since then, over 7,100 of you have downloaded this information, showing us that these changes are …
Updates
Important Changes Coming to OW and ODSP / Changements importants aux programmes d’OT et du POSPH
NOTE: As of June 31, 2018, all of these changes are now “on pause” and will not come into force this fall as scheduled. Please see these links for more information: http://incomesecurity.org/policy-advocacy/ontarios-cuts-to-social-assistance-will-hurt-the-most-vulnerable/ http://incomesecurity.org/public-education/ontarios-social-assistance-system-100-days-to-fix-it-or-to-break-it/ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ – la version française suit dessous – A number of changes to Ontario Works and ODSP rules have recently been made or are …
Legal clinics challenge CPP-D deductions from insurance payments: Reilly v. Ford hearing starts June 18
The Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC) is partnering with the HIV/AIDS Legal Clinic of Ontario (HALCO) and the ARCH Disability Law Centre to intervene in an important human rights case. Our coalition will argue that it is discriminatory for insurance companies and employers to to reduce the amount of long-term disability benefits they pay to disabled …
Ontario’s Political Parties on Income Security & Social Assistance Reform
– la version française suit dessous – The outcome of the June 7 provincial election will be very important for low-income people in Ontario. We sent four political parties in Ontario – the Liberals, NDP, Progressive Conservatives, and Greens –questions on where they stand on five important issues: What they would do to improve OW and ODSP …
Work With Us! / Joignez-vous à notre équipe!
ISAC has an opening for a permanent full-time staff lawyer. We’re seeking a person with exceptional skills to undertake strategic litigation, as well as contribute to policy advocacy and community development, aimed at expanding the legal rights, remedies and benefits available to low income workers and people relying on income security programs. As a specialty …
Election 2018: Tools That You Can Use
ISAC’s election kit and associated resources are ready for you to use in your community. Election Day is June 7, and the official election campaign started on May 9. An election period provides a vital opportunity to advocate on issues that are important for low-income people across Ontario. It’s a time when the political parties …
Trusts and Access to Social Assistance: Supreme Court Case April 25
On April 25th, the Supreme Court of Canada will hear a case that asks whether money held in a trust affects eligibility for social programs, even if the recipient cannot access that money. In this case, a person referred to as “S.A.” was denied a rent subsidy in Vancouver social housing because of inheritance monies …
Supreme Court to decide on striking down the Mandatory Victim Surcharge: Watch the Hearing Live
On April 17-18, the Supreme Court of Canada will hear four cases challenging the mandatory victim surcharge under the Charter. The cases will decide whether the mandatory victim surcharge violates the Charter rights of poor people who are convicted of crimes because it is “cruel and unusual” (s. 12 of the Charter) and/or violates the …
Protect the Privacy of Individuals at Administrative Tribunals: Court Case April 4-6
An important case concerning the privacy of individuals who seek to enforce their rights at administrative tribunals will be heard this week. This case could directly affect the privacy of individuals at the Human Rights Tribunal, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, and the Landlord and Tenant Board, among other administrative tribunals. It could also set …
Ontario Budget 2018: ISAC Analysis and Budget Details
Important First Steps to Transformation but No Meaningful Progress on Rates The 2018 Ontario Budget introduced today proposes to make a number of critically important changes to social assistance and other benefit systems, which would start to move the system away from the punitive, intrusive system that currently exists and toward the supportive approach that …
